Diddy's music streams surge by 18% following arrest on sex trafficking charges

A similar trend was seen with R. Kelly's music after allegations of sexual misconduct were aired in a documentary.

Since the arrest of Sean “Diddy” Combs on federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges, his vast music catalog has seen a significant surge in streams. 

Data analytics company Luminate reported that Diddy’s music, spanning his multiple monikers like Puff Daddy and P. Diddy, saw an average 18.3% increase in on-demand streams during the week of his arrest compared to the previous week.

George Howard, a professor of music business at Berklee College of Music, shared his thoughts on the spike in streams, attributing it to public curiosity. 

“Music just becomes another piece of information as people try to comprehend the atrocities,” Howard said. 

He likened the surge to how listeners might try to understand the mindset behind Diddy's alleged actions through his music.

Historically, streaming numbers often rise after high-profile controversies. A similar trend was observed with R. Kelly, whose music saw a dramatic rise after allegations of sexual misconduct were aired in a documentary. 

Howard noted that the anonymity of streaming makes it easier for listeners to engage with the music without public scrutiny, saying, “Imagine walking into a record store now like, ‘Yeah, I want to buy this Diddy CD.’”

Diddy, who has built a business empire beyond music, faces charges linked to accusations of abuse, coercion, and exploitation of women since 2008. He has pleaded not guilty.